The Saratoga Springs City Council discussed next steps in planning a proposed new police department facility, including entering the schematic design phase and an addendum to the city's contract with La Bella Associates.

Council members and staff described a three-phase planning process: preliminary drawings to confirm site fit, schematic design to define program and layout, and construction documents to produce final bid specifications and budgets. Staff said the city is entering the schematic design phase and that the council would be briefed again before moving to construction documents.

The police department and risk-management staff described several design priorities staff have requested, including a sally port for secure prisoner transfers and an indoor walkway connecting to the courts to avoid moving prisoners up exterior stairs. Council members emphasized that capital spending decisions of this scale require broad discussion: one councilmember noted that a capital appropriation would require four votes and asked for a workshop so councilors could weigh operational needs across departments, such as additional space for the building and fire departments.

Staff thanked Congresswoman Carrie Warner's office for submitting a $10 million grant request to support construction and said the city has requested funding assistance as part of its capital planning. An addendum to the consultant contract with La Bella Associates was listed on the agenda for authorization; no final council vote on construction-phase work or funding commitments occurred during this meeting.

Council members said they want to finish schematic design before approving construction documents and budgets, and asked for an informational presentation to ensure all members understand programmatic needs and projected costs before any appropriation votes.